our dried voices when we whisper together [OPEN]

[hidari-me.livejournal.com]

WHO: Ainosuke Tanaka (hidari_me) and whoever shows up.
WHAT: Investigating the town and his surroundings.
WHEN: June 21st, late afternoon - evening
WHERE: Bayview Hotel, Lobby (likely to extend to other places around town)
RATING: PG-13
WARNINGS: None yet.



It had only taken a few minutes after Lancer had left his room the night before for Ainosuke to fall asleep. To Ainosuke's surprise, he had ended up sleeping for a great deal of the day. Until an hour or so before now, he had been staying in his room ever since his arrival. He wasn't sure why. Was he waiting for something to happen? Maybe... Maybe he was waiting, hoping his brother would show up and admit that he was the one behind everything. Then he could have an excuse as to why all of this was happening, but it wouldn't explain why everyone else was there.

But there had to be a reason.

That was why he was leaving the hotel now. He'd gained a few hints from his talks with other arrivals, though nothing seemed to come together yet. Ainosuke's first goal was to go out and buy a sketchbook. Putting all his thoughts down on paper instead of having them in his head would be the first step towards looking at the big picture.

Ainosuke stepped off the elevator and into the lobby, patting the pockets of his pants and his jacket to make sure he had everything with him. Cell phone, card key, cards for... wherever those restaurants were, so he could get something to eat. It looked like he was ready to go.

He stopped only for a few minutes, taking the time to look around the lobby and making sure there wasn't anything of interest he had overlooked the night before.

Comments

[croibhristeoir]

Of course I know that. Don't be ridiculous.

[Oh, Ainosuke. If only you had any idea what he dealt with, you wouldn't be worried about sounding cruel in comparison.]

[hidari-me.livejournal.com]

[Except he really has no idea, so he's going to keep apologizing whenever he has the chance. The last thing he wants is to make Lancer feel like he's being taken advantage of.]

I'm just making sure. You're my friend, after all.

1/4

[croibhristeoir]

I know the difference between working with someone and receiving orde-

[croibhristeoir]

[...hang on, what now.]

[croibhristeoir]

[what. what is this i do not even.]

[im 25 and what is this out of nowhere]

[croibhristeoir]

I...I, er...

Right, yes. Of course.

[This was getting to be a very strange and jarring experience, especially considering the state Lancer had been in before his arrival.]

[hidari-me.livejournal.com]

[Ainosuke noticed the other's reaction to his words, looking a little unsure of exactly how to continue. He didn't feel he had upset the other, but he'd likely made Lancer uncomfortable. Still, it didn't seem like a bad thing to have admitted that.]

I might sleep for a bit, now that we have everything out of the way. I'll see what information I can gather in the next few days. And... you're right about how I shouldn't trust everything I hear. It still might help to hear what they have to say, though.

[croibhristeoir]

There's surely some other trustworthy people in this city. Perhaps even some that will have actual answers. I advise only caution, not paranoia.

[He stood up and sighed quietly, running a hand through his hair to brush it out of his face--not that it did any good, the same few strands fell right back in his eyes as they always did.]

If no one else, I believe it's safe to say by now that we can rely on each other.

[hidari-me.livejournal.com]

... right.

[Even though Ainosuke was a trusting person by nature, the current events had caused him to be even more aware and cautious about what he was doing. Part of him wanted to shove everyone away and try to do it on his own, but without Lancer there, he wasn't sure what sort of state he would be in. He pushed himself back up, lazily rubbing at his face with one sleeve again.]

I'm happy you trust me. [It was probably more than could be said for the cops back home, if things kept up the way they had.]

[croibhristeoir]

And I'm grateful I have someone to help me work out how this place is functioning.

[A sincere smile crossed Lancer's face, and he gave a slight but respectful bow.]

I'll be sure to let you know as soon as I find any new information.

[hidari-me.livejournal.com]

I'll still answer any questions you have, even if they're strange.

[Ainosuke thought back to the question about what year it was, earlier. It still seemed unimportant in the grand scheme of things right now, so he would save it for later.]

Thanks. Just call me if you need anything in the meantime.

[croibhristeoir]

I appreciate it. And don't hesitate to do the same if there's anything I can do for you.

[hidari-me.livejournal.com]

Mm! I'll let you know. Stay safe, all right?

[Even if the other didn't need it, Ainosuke always felt compelled to tell him. He was also smiling, happy as could be considering the circumstances.]

[croibhristeoir]

I'll be fine. Take care of yourself, Ainosuke.

[Looking remarkably cheerful, he left the room with a slight wave and a faint smile on his face.]